Deck Staining, Sealing & Painting

Why Professional Deck Finishing Matters

You could tackle deck staining yourself, but professional results require more than just slapping on some stain. We properly prepare the wood surface, choose the right products for your specific wood type and exposure, and apply finish in a way that penetrates evenly and lasts years longer than typical DIY jobs.

Weather conditions during application make a huge difference in results. Apply stain when it's too hot and it dries too fast. Too cold and it won't penetrate properly. Too humid and it won't cure correctly. Our San Leandro deck finishing professionals time the work for optimal conditions and use techniques that ensure every board gets proper coverage.

Staining, Sealing, or Painting: What's Right for You?

Different finishes serve different purposes:

• •Clear Sealers: Protect wood while showing natural grain. Good for cedar and redwood you want to keep natural looking.
• •Semi-Transparent Stain: Adds color while letting wood grain show through. Most popular option for wood decks.
• •Solid Stain: Covers wood grain completely but not as thick as paint. Good for older wood with imperfections.
• •Deck Paint: Complete coverage in any color. Best for covering severely weathered wood or matching house colors.
• •Oil-Based Products: Penetrate deep into wood. Require more maintenance but many prefer the look.
• •Water-Based Products: Easier cleanup, faster drying. Better for environment. Work well in California climate.

Our Professional Finishing Process

Proper preparation is 80 percent of a good finish. We start by thoroughly cleaning your deck to remove dirt, mildew, and old finish. Power washing is done carefully to avoid damaging the wood. Then we let the deck dry completely, which can take several days depending on weather.

Next comes sanding to smooth any rough spots and open the wood grain for better penetration. We apply products with professional equipment that ensures even coverage without drips or missed spots. Most finishes need two coats for proper protection. The result is a deck that looks beautiful and stays protected from sun and moisture damage. If your deck needs more than cosmetic work, check out our deck repair and restoration services. For new construction, our wood deck installation includes professional finishing.

How Often Should You Refinish?

Most deck finishes need reapplication every two to three years. Decks in full sun need more frequent attention than shaded decks. High-traffic areas may show wear sooner than the rest of the deck. We recommend scheduling regular maintenance rather than waiting until your finish has completely failed.

Regular refinishing is much easier and cheaper than restoration after years of neglect. A well-maintained deck that gets refinished on schedule only needs light cleaning and one fresh coat. A neglected deck requires extensive prep work, repairs, and multiple coats to bring back to good condition. We can set up a maintenance schedule that keeps your deck looking great with minimal disruption.

Deck Finishing Questions